Posted!

Join the Conversation

Comments

Welcome to our new and improved comments, which are for subscribers only.
This is a test to see whether we can improve the experience for you.
You do not need a Facebook profile to participate.

You will need to register before adding a comment.
Typed comments will be lost if you are not logged in.

Please be polite.
It's OK to disagree with someone's ideas, but personal attacks, insults, threats, hate speech, advocating violence and other violations can result in a ban.
If you see comments in violation of our community guidelines, please report them.

• A very young Clinton program made history on Friday with a 35-28 upset over No. 8 Pearl. This was the first time the Arrows beat a Super 10 team since 2004; their last win came against No. 2 Olive Branch in the first round of the 5A playoffs that year. The Arrows are led by a strong sophomore class that consists of running back Cam Akers and wide receiver Darius Maberry, who provided huge boosts for a program working to rebuild from a 3-8 season. "I don't think they're further along than anyone would think," Arrows coach Judd Boswell said. "I expect them to be here. This is where they need to be. …They're going to set the world on fire in the next two years."

Strong start for Murrah senior Malik Dear

• Murrah wasn't planning on using Malik Dear a lot in its 50-6 victory over Hazlehurst. But even with limited carries, the 2014 Dandy Dozen selection proved to be the most efficient player on the field. Dear recorded three touchdowns on four carries for 26 yards in the first game of his senior season. "Every time he touched the ball he scored," said Murrah coach Zack Grady. "He looked as good as he's looked in a long time." Grady wanted to hold back Dear so that his younger running backs could get experience. "Everybody is so Malik-heavy as far as keying on him," he said. "We needed to take advantage of that to get our other guys some carries."

Despite loss, Prep poses dangerous offense

• Jackson Prep hung with No. 1 Oxford until the end, and that's mainly thanks to the Patriots' two-headed offensive attack of Gene Woods and Ian McGraw. While Jackson Prep dropped a close 26-21 decision, its running back and quarterback duo proved it could give teams problems all season long. McGraw was the workhorse early. He racked up more than 20 carries for 134 yards. But when Oxford began to load the box, Wood dissected the Chargers' defense for some long gains. It's a balanced attack that Oxford coach Johnny Hill said is bound to give defensive coordinators fits. Not to mention, Jackson Prep trotted out several unusual offensive formations. At times, offensive lineman were spread from hash mark to hash mark. The Patriots also ran five flea-flicker passes. "They have some dangerous weapons," Oxford coach Johnny Hill said of Jackson Prep. "They're not going to be an easy team to get by."

Smith shows real-deal stuff at quarterback

• Trey Smith heard the doubts all offseason. Could the senior athlete lead Madison Central under center this season after spending most of his career as a tailback and wideout? The answer was a resounding "yes" on Friday against Brandon. The son of former NFL wideout Jimmy Smith passed for 77 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown to star receiver Keenan Barnes with 3:17 left in the first quarter for the game's first score. "Barnes to Smith, man, you better get used to hearing that combination right there," Barnes said. "Watch out." Smith also tacked on 108 yards rushing and two touchdowns. "I'm so confident with (Smith) back there," Barnes said. "It's going to be a game-changer for us. I love it."